The Cincinnati Bengals will have one of the best passing attacks in the NFL for the foreseeable future after tying down both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. But the team has struggled on the other side of the ball in recent years.
The latest seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft from PFSN’s Brentley Weissman sees the team attempt to balance out its offense-heavy roster by drafting some defensive difference-makers.
17) Malaki Starks, Safety, Georgia
“Amidst all the doubt and uncertainty, the Cincinnati Bengals successfully retained both star wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The move does add another level of pressure on the team’s decision-makers to nail their early-round draft picks because all of their money is now tied up,” Weissman said.
“Malaki Starks is a plug-and-play safety who can be a cornerstone player in the back end of their defense. He has good instincts, ball skills, and range to excel as a single-high safety or in split zone coverages.”
The Bengals allowed the 12th most passing yards per game in 2024 and seem poised to lose Vonn Bell, who started 11 games in 2024 and remains a free agent. Starks would be an instant starter for the Bengals and could quickly become a cornerstone of the defense.
49) Jonah Savaiinaea, IOL, Arizona
“The Bengals always need offensive line help, and this year is no different. Jonah Savaiinaea is a versatile offensive lineman who has experience playing both tackle and guard. This versatility should prove very valuable for the Bengals, and he should be able to work his way into a starting position at some point this season,” Weissman said.
Joe Burrow was hit 69 times in 2024, the second-most of any quarterback in the NFL. The Bengals cut starting guard Alex Cappa, who left to join the Las Vegas Raiders, so Savaiinaea’s addition would be a welcome one.
81) Jared Ivey, EDGE, Ole Miss
“The Bengals haven’t quite seen the success from former first-round pick Myles Murphy, so adding an additional pass rusher is necessary. Jared Ivey is a long and strong rusher who knows how to get home and finish the quarterback,” Weissman said.
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Trey Hendrickson led the NFL in sacks in 2024, yet the team finished with the seventh fewest sacks (tied) in the NFL. Add in Sam Hubbard’s retirement, and the team needs to add some more juice at the position.
119) Jordan James, RB, Oregon
Nothing jumps off the page as far as Jordan James’ athletic traits are concerned, but his 5.7 yards per carry and 31 career rushing touchdowns do stand out. Chase Brown enjoyed a stellar 2024 campaign, but James’ ability to contribute in both the run and passing games (26 receptions for 209 yards in 2024) would give the Bengals a solid rotational piece.
James would compete with Samaje Perine for the No. 2 role in Cincinnati’s backfield after the former Bengal returned after two seasons in the AFC West.
153) Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish registered five interceptions, six tackles for loss, 94 tackles (77 solo), and 16 passes defended over his final two years in college. While on the smaller side, Parrish’s athleticism shone through in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, and 10-yard split drills at the NFL Scouting Combine.
193) Cody Lindenberg, LB, Minnesota
With the team’s final pick, Weissman assigns Minnesota linebacker Cody Lindenberg. Lindenberg suffered through some injury issues in college but was a defensive leader and key playmaker when on the field. In 12 games in 2024, he amassed 94 tackles (45 solo), five tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception.